Table 1.
Comparative characteristics of the native kidney, synthetic membranes, biological membranes and emerging bioartificial membranes
| Native Kidney | Synthetic Membrane | Peritoneal Biological Membrane | Bioartificial Membrane | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Structure | Highly organized living organ | Polymeric hollow-fiber membrane | Living mesothelial membrane | Hybrid system integrating synthetic scaffold with living renal cells |
| Primary Transport Mechanism | Ultrafiltration, Active Diffusion, Convection, transport, Secretion, Reabsorption | Diffusion, Convection, Ultrafiltration, Absorption | Convection, Osmotic Diffusion, Ultrafiltration, Limited absorption | Diffusion, Convection, Ultrafiltration, Active transport |
| Driving Forces | Hydrostatic pressure, Oncotic pressure, Electrochemical gradients, Cellular energy | Concentration Gradients, Transmembrane pressure | Concentration gradients, Osmotic pressure | Physiological pressure gradients, Active cellular regulation |
| Predictability | High under physiological conditions | Very high | Moderate | Expected high predictability |
| Adaptability | Excellent | Minimal | High | Expected high adaptability |
| External Control | None | High | Limited | Expected partial external control |
| Biocompatibility | Complete | Limited | High | Expected high biocompatibility |
| Limitations in critically ill patients | Loss of native regulatory function during AKI | Blood-material interactions, Membrane fouling | Transport variability, Ultrafiltration failure | Unknown |